Group completes poll of Staten Islanders on traffic and transportation issues focuses on possible travel solutions between Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn & New Jersey

The College of Staten Island-Staten Island Project (CSI-SIP) with the generous support of Con Edison, recently announced the completion of a Staten Island-wide polling initiative on traffic and transportation issues.

Staten Island (Richmond County) is not only the fastest growing borough in New York City but also the fastest growing county in New York State. Census data suggest that working Staten Islanders have the longest commute time in the nation, and “it is important to determine what Islanders think of possible solutions to their travel-related headaches,” according to Steve Johnson, director of institutional research and assessment at CSI.

“Determining how much residents know about proposed solutions, whether they like what’s being proposed, and whether they would use new forms of transportation if they were available is an important first step in addressing the challenges facing Staten Island,” he continued.

The survey of 600 Staten Island residents took place January 21-25, 2004 and has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent. According to Johnson, the data are still being analyzed, and the results should be available as early as the end of this month.

The polling initiative is part of an upcoming conference that has scheduled policy makers, academics, and members of the political, social, business, environmental, and disabilities communities to discuss the changing landscape of Staten Island and the region. Its focus will be on mass transportation and traffic, as well as its funding, examining current projects and innovative future directions.

The conference, “Staten Island Mass Transportation and Traffic: Environment and Economy,” will convene on Friday, March 19, 2004 at the College of Staten Island’s Center for the Arts at 2800 Victory Boulevard. Participants include representatives from state and local government, transportation leaders, noted traffic analysts and industry watchdogs. The conference offers roundtable discussions with question and answer sessions and the chance for attendees to share a table with conference participants during lunch and the post-conference reception. Registration is open to the public at $30 per person. For more information contact Faith Olzman at 718-982-2365 or visit www.csi.cuny.edu/csisip

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information visit www.csinews.net or contact Ken Bach at 718-982-2328.